Guided by the belief that students must first understand the origins of American government to fully understand the issues facing the United States today, this market-leading text offers the strongest coverage of both history and current events of any college textbook devoted to American politics.

From hallmark features like “The Living Constitution” to newer features like the illustrated historical timelines, American Government: Roots and Reform provides the historical context students need to understand our government and the most crucial and controversial issues affecting the nation in the 21st century.

This bestselling book has been extensively revised to provide in-depth coverage of President Barack Obama’s first two years in office and the 111th Congress, the 2010 congressional elections, continued concerns related to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and domestic concerns related to health care reform and the economy.